Explores how to foster everyday faith, find empowerment in Advent, and fulfill expectations beyond Christmas through the teachings of the Gospel.
Welcome, dear friends, to this gathering of hearts and minds united in faith. We are here today to delve into the profound depths of the Gospel, to find solace in its wisdom, and to draw strength from its teachings. As we stand here together on this blessed day, let us open our hearts and minds to the divine revelation that is the Word of God, letting it guide our steps, shape our thoughts, and transform our lives.
In the words of Beth Moore, "This is our time on the history line of God. This is it. What will we do with the one deep exhale of God on this earth? For we are but a vapor and we have to make it count. We’re on. Direct us, Lord, and get us on our feet." This profound truth reminds us of the timeless relevance of the Scripture, its power to inspire, teach, and guide us, and its ability to speak to our hearts today just as it did to those who first heard it.
As we prepare to delve into the Word, let us read together from the Book of Mark, Chapter 11:
In the passage we just read from Mark 11, we see Jesus sending His disciples ahead of Him to fetch a colt. This seemingly simple act is actually a profound demonstration of faith. Jesus had faith that the colt would be there, just as He said. He had faith that the disciples would find it and bring it to Him. And He had faith that the people would let them take the colt when they explained that the Lord needed it. This is the kind of faith that we are called to have in our everyday lives.
What’s faith for?: Faith is not just for the big moments or the dramatic miracles. It's for the small, ordinary moments as well. It's for the times when we're not sure what the next step is, but we trust that God will guide us. It's for the times when we're faced with a challenge, but we believe that God will provide a way through. It's for the times when we're feeling lost or alone, but we hold onto the promise that God is with us always.
Understanding that faith is an active choice: In the passage, the disciples didn't just sit back and wait for the colt to come to them. They went out and found it. They took action based on Jesus' instructions, even though they didn't know exactly how things would turn out. In the same way, we need to actively choose to trust in God, even when we don't have all the answers.
Recognizing that faith involves obedience: The disciples followed Jesus' instructions to the letter. They didn't question Him or try to do things their own way. They simply did as they were told. This is a model for us to follow. Obedience is a key part of faith. It's not always easy, and it often requires us to step outside of our comfort zone. But when we obey God, we demonstrate our trust in Him and open ourselves up to His blessings.
Acknowledging that faith requires patience: In the passage, the disciples had to wait for the colt to be untied and brought to Jesus. They didn't rush the process or try to force things to happen faster. They simply waited for God's timing. This is a lesson for us as well. We live in a world that values speed and efficiency, but God's timing is not our timing. Sometimes, we need to wait patiently for His plans to unfold.
Realizing that faith is not dependent on our circumstances: In the passage, the disciples were in a potentially risky situation. They were taking a colt that didn't belong to them, and they could have faced opposition or even punishment. But they trusted in Jesus and followed His instructions, regardless of the potential consequences. This is a powerful reminder for us. Our faith should not be determined by our circumstances, but by our trust in God. Even when things are difficult or uncertain, we can choose to have faith.
As we move forward, we find ourselves in the season of Advent, a time of anticipation and preparation for the coming of Christ ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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